Pakistan stresses coordinated economic, energy response amid regional tensions

Pakistan’s top civilian and military leadership on Thursday stressed the need for national consensus and closer institutional coordination to tackle emerging regional challenges, as the country faces pressure from rising energy costs and geopolitical uncertainty.

A high-level consultative meeting chaired by President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr reviewed the evolving economic and energy situation against the backdrop of oil supply constraints, rising petroleum prices and regional security developments, according to a statement issued by the Presidency.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir attended the meeting, along with senior cabinet members and economic officials.

Participants included Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, PPP Chairman and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema and the finance secretary.

Read: Pakistan offers to host Iran-US talks

The meeting reviewed fluctuations in global oil and gas supplies and their impact on Pakistan’s economy, with particular focus on controlling inflation and ensuring energy security.

President Asif Ali Zardari chairs a high-level meeting on the economy, energy, and regional situation at Aiwan-e-Sadr on March 26, 2026, alongside Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in Islamabad. | Photo: PTV X

Finance and petroleum ministers briefed participants on measures to stabilise petroleum prices, manage the spillover effects of rising fuel costs across economic sectors and enforce fiscal discipline through austerity measures aimed at reducing expenditure pressures.

The broader regional situation also came under discussion, including implications for Pakistan’s security, economic outlook and food security. Participants agreed that economic management, energy planning, food security and wider security considerations must remain closely aligned to address the challenges ahead.

The meeting underscored the importance of maintaining national consensus and strengthening institutional coordination, emphasising that policy decisions must prioritise stability while safeguarding public interests.

Officials also highlighted the need for public awareness campaigns to reduce fuel consumption, encourage the use of public transport and promote shared ride systems.

Earlier Thursday, Pakistan’s foreign minister said indirect communication between the United States and Iran was taking place through messages relayed by Pakistan, with Türkiye and Egypt also supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East.

“There has been unnecessary speculation in the media regarding peace talks to end ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In reality, US-Iran indirect talks are taking place through messages being relayed by Pakistan,” the minister wrote on X.

He said Washington had shared 15 points with Tehran that were under consideration. “Brotherly countries of Turkiye and Egypt, among others, are also extending their support to this initiative.”

“Pakistan remains fully committed to promoting peace and continues to make every effort to ensure stability in the region and beyond. Dialogue and Diplomacy is the only way forward!” he added.

Read More: Iran rejects US proposal, outlines five conditions to end war: state TV

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi earlier said there had been no negotiations with the United States, though messages were exchanged through intermediaries.

“Messages being conveyed through our friendly countries and us responding by stating our positions or issuing the necessary warnings is not called negotiation or dialogue,” Araqchi said in a state television interview Wednesday. “It is simply an exchange of messages through our friends.”

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said Iran was eager to reach a deal to end nearly four weeks of fighting, contradicting Tehran’s stance that it was reviewing a U.S. proposal but had no intention of entering formal talks to wind down the conflict.